2009-2010 record: 37-31-14 (88 points)
Did not qualify for the playoffs
Captain: Brenden Morrow
Alternate Captains: Steve Ott, Niklas Grossman, Brad Richards
3 players to watch: With Mike Modano gone, the new face of the Stars is Brad Richards. The leading scorer last year, he rediscovered his game from his Lightning days. He will have to repeat last season's numbers for the Stars to have a chance. Goal is an issue, as the Stars said goodbye to Marty Turco, who was in decline. Entering the mix is Kari Lehtonen, acquired in a midseason deal. Health and consistency have been an issue for him in recent years, and given that he is being entrusted to handle the goalie duties, this isn't promising for the Stars. With a dearth of development talent, it will be up to the players already on the Stars to step up, and one that could have a breakthrough season is James Neal. A 27 goal scorer a year ago, he figures to be a 30 goal scorer every year with more experience.
Things to look for: The Stars are fairly well off on offense, with Richards, Neal, and Loui Eriksson leading the way. However, the offense will need to be even more proficient, as Jamie Benn needs to repeat his rookie numbers and Mike Ribeiro and Brenden Morrow needs to rediscover their scoring touch. Defense was a major issue, and it doesn't figure to get much better this season. Outside of Niklas Grossman, there aren't many options for a first pairing. With defensive issues comes a porous penalty killing unit that ranked near the bottom of the league. Benn figures to be a part of the unit in hopes of shoring that unit. Goaltending is the most obvious issue, with an injury prone Lehtonen, an unproven Brent Krahn, and a washout as a starter in Andrew Raycroft as their goaltenders. None of them exactly strike fear in the opposing shooters' hearts.
Prediction: 14th in the West
Song: Nightwish-Stargazers
For a team named the Stars, Dallas will be looking up at a lot of teams this season. Defense will be an issue all year long.
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